Location

A 20 hectare greenhouse facility built by Sundrop Farms in Port
Augusta, South Australia, uses renewable energy and a sustainable
water source to produce 17,000 tonnes of tomatoes a year.

Solar thermal technology is used to generate power that is then
used to desalinate seawater for irrigation, and for heating and
cooling the greenhouses. The system is well-suited for agricultural
production in much of Australia which is semi-arid, and
demonstrates the potential for meeting global food production
challenges sustainably and profitably using renewable
technologies.

Sundrop Farms employs about 200 people and offered substantial
opportunities for local and State-based businesses during the
construction phase. The project also has considerable value for
sustainable agriculture research in Australia.

The CEFC's early commitment for cornerstone debt financing
helped Sundrop Farms secure private sector growth capital for this
project from global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).
Sundrop Farms has also been able to secure a 10-year contract with
Coles supermarkets to supply truss tomatoes from early 2016.

This early CEFC commitment to finance approximately one quarter
of the project cost helped catalyse funding for the innovative
project.